Gregan calls for improvement

International previews/Australia v Scotland: Australia captain George Gregan is expecting an improved performance from his team in today's second Test with Scotland. The Wallabies ran away with the opening test 35-15 in Melbourne in their first appearance since last year's World Cup final. But it was a far from convincing performance by Australia and Gregan said he was hoping for a much better effort ahead of their World Cup rematch with England seven days later.

"We're really concerned about improving from last week to this week, knowing that's exactly what the Scots are going to do," Gregan said yesterday. "I expect a more polished and professional and precise team effort."

The Wallabies have made two important changes from the side that started in Melbourne, with Phil Waugh replacing George Smith at openside flanker and outside centre Stirling Mortlock returning from injury at the expense of Clyde Rathbone. Waugh was given the nod ahead of Smith because of his high work rate around the rucks while Mortlock's strength should give the back line added thrust.

Australia full back Joe Roff said the competition for places had sharpened the team's focus but there was still a lot of work to be done. "Getting the combinations back together is always going to be a bit rusty for the first game, but that's something we are looking to build on for this weekend," he said.

The Scots defied predictions of a massive defeat in the first Test with a courageous performance built on the back of a well-organised defensive pattern. Starved of possession, they held firm before two late tries blew the final margin out to 20 points.

The Scots have lost their last 12 Tests against Australia over more than two decades and their preparations for today's clash at the Olympic Stadium have been hard hit by the suspension of lock Stuart Grimes and an injury to captain Scott Murray. Grimes was banned for two matches for stamping on Australian number eight David Lyons in Melbourne. Murray was also in danger of missing out because of severe bruising on his hip but was eventually cleared to play.

AUSTRALIA: J Roff; W Sailor, S Mortlock, M Giteau, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, A Baxter, J Harrison, N Sharpe, R Samo, P Waugh, D Lyons. Replacements: J Paul, M Dunning, D Vickerman, G Smith, M Turinui, C Rathbone, C Latham.

SCOTLAND: H Southwell; S Lamont, B Hinshelwood, A Henderson, S Webster; D Parks, C Cusiter; T Smith, G Bulloch, B Douglas, I Fullarton, S Murray (capt), J White, D Macfadyen, A Hogg. Replacements: S Scott, C Smith, C Hamilton, J Petrie, M Blair, G Ross, G Morrison.

Referee: M Lawrence (South Africa).